Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: 30 True Things You Need to Know Now

Full of things we may know but have not articulated to ourselves, Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart is a gentle and generous alternative to the trial-and-error learning that makes wisdom such an expensive commodity. For everyone who feels a sense of urgency that the clock ticks and still we aren't the person we'd like to be, it offers solace, guidance, and hope.

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Publisher's Summary

From a psychiatrist who has spent the past 30 years listening to other people's most intimate secrets and troubles comes an eloquent, incisive, and deeply perceptive book about the things we all share, and which every one of us grapples with as we strive to make the most of the life we have left.

After service in Vietnam as a surgeon for the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1968-69, at the height of the war, Dr. Gordon Livingston returned to the U.S. and began work as a psychiatrist. In that capacity, he has listened to people talk about their lives, what works, what doesn't, and the limitless ways (most of them self-inflicted) that we have found to be unhappy. He is also a parent twice bereaved. In one 13-month period, he lost his eldest son to suicide, his youngest to leukemia.

Out of a lifetime of experience, Livingston has extracted 30 bedrock truths: We are what we do. Any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least. The perfect is the enemy of the good. Only bad things happen quickly. Forgiveness is a form of letting go, but they are not the same thing. The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood traumas. Livingston illuminates these and 24 others in a series of carefully hewn, perfectly calibrated essays, many of which emphasize our closest relationships and the things that we do to impede or, less frequently, enhance them. Again and again, these essays underscore that "we are what we do", and that while there may be no escaping who we are, we also have the capacity to face loss, misfortune, and regret and to move beyond them, that it is not too late.

This book isn't for victims. It's for people who are looking for solid, no nonsense, insight on how to move on and move ahead. I felt that the author wasn't judgmental...just extremely factual. It's a great book and I highly recommend it.

Big time bonus points to the reader. His voice is perfect for the material. He doesn't read too quickly, and his inflections are a fantastic addition to the words.

I really liked that this guy does not buy into the whole victim approach to looking at our problems. He favors taking responsibility. Imagine -- suggesting that children aren't responsible for their aging parents. Parents need to age gracefully, stop griping, keep up some interests, and not drag everyone down into their often-self-created pool of misery. What a concept! This is just one of the eye-opening suggestions this guy makes. It meanders a little bit here and there, but overall it is a nice concise group of essays.

Has some bright moments surrounded by complaints about various aspects of life. Too boring to listen all the way through. Title was intriguing but if you are looking for a book that helps improve your life - you'll be disappointed. Mostly sour grapes about the past and the unimproved present with commentary on what social changes need to be made in society. Some of the points are valid - but it wasn't the purpose for which I downloaded the book. The author makes some good points but doesn't complete the thoughts in a useful fashion.

i enjoyed listening to someone who could take such an experienced, compassionate yet very practical view on our thought processes and traps that are so common and block happiness..to know these things is to at least know they exist, or even better to let go of our own fabricated dysfunction...and just live

Probably one of the better of the books that I have listened too. The information presented here is clear, concise and accurate for those looking to move on from old haunts and hurts. Some may find it a bit harsh since it makes you look at yourself and have your excuses taken away. All in all a great book that I listen to over and over.

This is a great book. I listened to it in its entirety twice, and found every minute worthwhile. The sentence structure is at times a little formal, but it all rings true. Compassionate and hopeful, this book is the gift of a brave and generous spirit. Even a great ending!!

I see what another reviewer meant about this book being "depressing". The author seems to point out all the shortcomings of people - failings, bad habits, unhappy relationships, etc. At first I found it funny. But, then I found it hard to listen to, and it started to sound like whining. I was hoping to hear more insights versus his spending so much time pointing out or whining about all the problems about people that I already know.

I found most of the book interesting and particularly the fact that the choices we make define our life. Our children choose their paths as well and we shouldn't be guilty if we have tried to love and guide them on the right path and they choose another path. The author has a good sense of humor on each subject. the book has some good chunks of real wisdom in it.

Would you consider the audio edition of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart to be better than the print version?

I have them both and use them both my best adult version of the other generation advice for life and the point of view on important things in life no sugarcoating or fluff and as you see the book is small the author didnt care for sales money or publicity

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